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Highlands Today

No Speedy Trial For Suspect In Wife's Death

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: February 19, 2009

  James Barnes

SEBRING - A Burbank, Calif., man accused of killing his wife waived his right to a speedy trial at a pretrial conference today.

James Highley Barnes Jr., 65, is charged with first-degree murder. His next appearance is scheduled for May 21 at 8:30 a.m., according to court records.

Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin told Judge Peter Estrada at Barnes' November arraignment that it is not a death penalty case.

On Oct. 13, 2008, Highlands County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a citrus grove in Lorida, where the body of Virginia Navarro Barnes, 62, also of Burbank, was found with multiple gunshot wounds.

The couple also had a home in Sebring.

Investigators initially could not identify the victim. Then, on Oct. 21, deputies received additional information from a family member that led them to Barnes' residence at 6100 Sherman Terrace, as he was considered a suspect.

Barnes eventually called the sheriff's office at 2 a.m., on Oct. 22, and reportedly admitted to killing his wife and wanted to turn himself in. He said he drove her to the orange grove and killed her because he didn't want her to live in her "current state of dementia," according to the arrest report. Family members said she was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

He also allegedly said the victim's dependence on him was a "burden to his lifestyle," the report stated.

Barnes remained in the Highlands County Jail on Thursday under no bond.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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